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Recommend this book:
The Tomb of Ptahmes
A Tale of Historical Intrigue and Imaginative Fiction for Teens
C.W. James
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
Malcolm Pinsent and his son Carter are in the middle of an archaeological dig near Meydum, a community in the Libyan Desert, when Sir Robert Ottley, a famous explorer, and his daughter approach them with an unusual proposition. He wants to use Malcolm Pinsent's men to excavate a sarcophagus with a remarkable history. The expedition takes a deadly turn when Ottley is gruesomely wounded in the encounter, yet he offers to buy the Pinsent's silence concerning his expedition. They have no idea that their cooperation in the matter will drag them into a puzzling conspiracy to verify the authenticity of a two-thousand-year-old prophecy, complete with its accompanying curse. With the odds against their fathers, the onus rests on Carter and May to resolve the situation. Only time will tell if they will survive the consequences of their actions in C.W. James's The Tomb Of Ptahmes.
The action is nonstop in The Tomb Of Ptahmes. The plot is a masterful fusion of mystery and suspense, deeply rooted in beautifully rendered Egyptian mythology. C.W. James dives right into the action from the first page, offering the reader the origins of both the Pinsents and the Ottleys with such fluidity that there is no doubt that a one-of-a-kind adventure is in the offing. The character development is pristine. Despite their shaky alliance based on shared interests, the similarities between Carter's and May's early childhood suggest a possible meeting of the minds. The dialogue between the characters maintains the British perspective while adding a healthy dose of that quintessential British humor in vibrant verbal sparring. James has found the perfect formula for crafting a riveting narrative with a unique storytelling approach and breakneck pacing in The Tomb Of Ptahmes.
Malcolm Pinsent and his son Carter are in the middle of an archaeological dig near Meydum, a community in the Libyan Desert, when Sir Robert Ottley, a famous explorer, and his daughter approach them with an unusual proposition. He wants to use Malcolm Pinsent's men to excavate a sarcophagus with a remarkable history. The expedition takes a deadly turn when Ottley is gruesomely wounded in the encounter, yet he offers to buy the Pinsent's silence concerning his expedition. They have no idea that their cooperation in the matter will drag them into a puzzling conspiracy to verify the authenticity of a two-thousand-year-old prophecy, complete with its accompanying curse. With the odds against their fathers, the onus rests on Carter and May to resolve the situation. Only time will tell if they will survive the consequences of their actions in C.W. James's The Tomb Of Ptahmes.
The action is nonstop in The Tomb Of Ptahmes. The plot is a masterful fusion of mystery and suspense, deeply rooted in beautifully rendered Egyptian mythology. C.W. James dives right into the action from the first page, offering the reader the origins of both the Pinsents and the Ottleys with such fluidity that there is no doubt that a one-of-a-kind adventure is in the offing. The character development is pristine. Despite their shaky alliance based on shared interests, the similarities between Carter's and May's early childhood suggest a possible meeting of the minds. The dialogue between the characters maintains the British perspective while adding a healthy dose of that quintessential British humor in vibrant verbal sparring. James has found the perfect formula for crafting a riveting narrative with a unique storytelling approach and breakneck pacing in The Tomb Of Ptahmes.
Recommend this book:
Iseris
House of Power
A.A. Smith
2025 Honorable Mention
202 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite
Iseris by A.A. Smith tells the tale of Mora, a humble Augstian Midlander residing in a tiny village called Wheyn. Unlike most of her friends, Mora's magical skills are grossly undeveloped, resulting in endless taunting and ostracism from her classmates. When her best friend, Cassel, informs her of his intention to relocate to Alia City after graduation, Mora is overwhelmed with anxiety. She has grown accustomed to her undemanding life in Wheyn with her mother. Quite unexpectedly, Krolus, a neighboring country, begins to wage war with Augstia, violating their Treaty of Separation. Mora, badly injured and disorientated, unknowingly travels to the palace of House Halucen. The Augstian royalty asks their daughter, Lord Somnus, to escort Mora back to her village. Somnus begrudgingly agrees. Along their journey, both young women discover many surprising truths about themselves and the Augstian monarchy. As war rages on, Mora hopes to one day reunite with her mother and Cassel.
Iseris is a spellbinding YA fantasy that will undoubtedly leave readers wanting more. This tale is awash with mystery, shocking secrets, magic, and self-discovery, making it an addictive read from beginning to end. I was completely drawn to Mora and her comrades, each possessing distinct personality styles, skills, and motivations. I loved their budding group dynamic and can't wait to see where their travels take them in future installments. Each of Mora's companions has qualities that make them intriguing and likable--even Somnus. I especially loved Mora's and Somnus' transformative character growth throughout the storyline. Watching Mora slowly transition from an unconfident Midlander to a resilient young woman was both invigorating and enthralling. I was equally impressed by Somnus' character development. It was refreshing to see a more compassionate and sincere side of her as their journey progressed. This novel is perfect for fans of rich world-building, high-stakes quests, action-packed adventures, and unforgettable characters.
Iseris by A.A. Smith tells the tale of Mora, a humble Augstian Midlander residing in a tiny village called Wheyn. Unlike most of her friends, Mora's magical skills are grossly undeveloped, resulting in endless taunting and ostracism from her classmates. When her best friend, Cassel, informs her of his intention to relocate to Alia City after graduation, Mora is overwhelmed with anxiety. She has grown accustomed to her undemanding life in Wheyn with her mother. Quite unexpectedly, Krolus, a neighboring country, begins to wage war with Augstia, violating their Treaty of Separation. Mora, badly injured and disorientated, unknowingly travels to the palace of House Halucen. The Augstian royalty asks their daughter, Lord Somnus, to escort Mora back to her village. Somnus begrudgingly agrees. Along their journey, both young women discover many surprising truths about themselves and the Augstian monarchy. As war rages on, Mora hopes to one day reunite with her mother and Cassel.
Iseris is a spellbinding YA fantasy that will undoubtedly leave readers wanting more. This tale is awash with mystery, shocking secrets, magic, and self-discovery, making it an addictive read from beginning to end. I was completely drawn to Mora and her comrades, each possessing distinct personality styles, skills, and motivations. I loved their budding group dynamic and can't wait to see where their travels take them in future installments. Each of Mora's companions has qualities that make them intriguing and likable--even Somnus. I especially loved Mora's and Somnus' transformative character growth throughout the storyline. Watching Mora slowly transition from an unconfident Midlander to a resilient young woman was both invigorating and enthralling. I was equally impressed by Somnus' character development. It was refreshing to see a more compassionate and sincere side of her as their journey progressed. This novel is perfect for fans of rich world-building, high-stakes quests, action-packed adventures, and unforgettable characters.
Recommend this book:
Miri and The Honeybee
NJ Lujan
2025 Bronze Medal
248 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Mary Clarke for Readers' Favorite
Miri and The Honeybee by NJ Lujan is a heartfelt tale of a Yorkshire Terrier used as a breeding dog in a backyard puppy mill. She suffered for a long time at the hands of a cruel owner, Wayne. But things were not the same when the latest litter of her puppies was taken away. Miri couldn't let her babies leave, so she bravely escaped to find them. Along the way, she came across a caring woman called Georgia and her friend Dottie, who were both hell-bent on helping her, exposing Wayne's operation, and uncovering the truth. With a determined attorney's help, the case against Wayne went through, shedding light on the tragic harshness of backyard puppy mills.
During all this time, Miri had an unlikely companion and best friend, a honeybee called Queenie. Their friendship was special; it is a reminder of how beautiful things can arise even from the darkest moments. Miri's story shows the great strength of dogs in facing adversities and the necessity of love and justice for all life, be it animal or human. NJ Lujan's writing style was seamless. The courtroom scene where Miri faces off with her abuser stands out—it is written with such raw power and tension that it left me breathless. The characters' development is excellent and flows nicely. Miri and The Honeybee is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving, impactful, and beautifully written story. Dog lovers will also appreciate this book.
Miri and The Honeybee by NJ Lujan is a heartfelt tale of a Yorkshire Terrier used as a breeding dog in a backyard puppy mill. She suffered for a long time at the hands of a cruel owner, Wayne. But things were not the same when the latest litter of her puppies was taken away. Miri couldn't let her babies leave, so she bravely escaped to find them. Along the way, she came across a caring woman called Georgia and her friend Dottie, who were both hell-bent on helping her, exposing Wayne's operation, and uncovering the truth. With a determined attorney's help, the case against Wayne went through, shedding light on the tragic harshness of backyard puppy mills.
During all this time, Miri had an unlikely companion and best friend, a honeybee called Queenie. Their friendship was special; it is a reminder of how beautiful things can arise even from the darkest moments. Miri's story shows the great strength of dogs in facing adversities and the necessity of love and justice for all life, be it animal or human. NJ Lujan's writing style was seamless. The courtroom scene where Miri faces off with her abuser stands out—it is written with such raw power and tension that it left me breathless. The characters' development is excellent and flows nicely. Miri and The Honeybee is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving, impactful, and beautifully written story. Dog lovers will also appreciate this book.
Recommend this book:
A Shadow Falls
Bloodlines Legacy
Rose Garcia
2025 Bronze Medal
308 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Jennifer Reinoehl for Readers' Favorite
Rose Garcia’s A Shadow Falls is Book 2 in the Bloodlines Legacy series. Due to a twist of fate in the fae world of Faevenly, Mateo has gone from lowly Sublander to Lord Prince of House Stromm. Avalynn, once believed to be a Princess of Stromm, has discovered she is the Only One—Princess of both House Strong and House Kane, as well as partially human. She has feelings for Mateo, but when she betrayed him, which revealed his princely position, it pushed him into the arms of his mother, the icy High Queen of Faevenly. The High Queen has solidified her hold on him through a dark magic amulet. Avalynn and Mateo’s other friends try to rescue him from a fate he now embraces, and end up journeying with him to the Wild North to seek out dragons. Will the love they once shared be enough to overcome the power of the amulet?
A Shadow Falls continues the story of Mateo and Avalynn as they travel their paths to fulfill a prophecy in this page-turning, action-packed sequel. The corruption of the amulet creates a realistic internal fight over Mateo’s very soul that keeps readers rooting for him to make good choices even when he fails to do so. The themes of vengeance and betrayal keep the reader guessing about which characters can and cannot be trusted. The concrete plot whisks readers into a fantasy world where one can get lost, investing readers in the fight to save Faevenly as much as the characters who are invested in it.
Rose Garcia’s A Shadow Falls is Book 2 in the Bloodlines Legacy series. Due to a twist of fate in the fae world of Faevenly, Mateo has gone from lowly Sublander to Lord Prince of House Stromm. Avalynn, once believed to be a Princess of Stromm, has discovered she is the Only One—Princess of both House Strong and House Kane, as well as partially human. She has feelings for Mateo, but when she betrayed him, which revealed his princely position, it pushed him into the arms of his mother, the icy High Queen of Faevenly. The High Queen has solidified her hold on him through a dark magic amulet. Avalynn and Mateo’s other friends try to rescue him from a fate he now embraces, and end up journeying with him to the Wild North to seek out dragons. Will the love they once shared be enough to overcome the power of the amulet?
A Shadow Falls continues the story of Mateo and Avalynn as they travel their paths to fulfill a prophecy in this page-turning, action-packed sequel. The corruption of the amulet creates a realistic internal fight over Mateo’s very soul that keeps readers rooting for him to make good choices even when he fails to do so. The themes of vengeance and betrayal keep the reader guessing about which characters can and cannot be trusted. The concrete plot whisks readers into a fantasy world where one can get lost, investing readers in the fight to save Faevenly as much as the characters who are invested in it.
Recommend this book:
. Now Volke isn’t a picky person; he will be happy to bond with any creature as long as it brings him magical powers. He and his adopted s...){kind=link}
Knightmare Arcanist
Frith Chronicles Book 1
Shami Stovall
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Knightmare Arcanist is the first book in the Frith Chronicles by Shami Stovall. Volke Savan is a gravedigger who dreams of becoming an Arcanist (a person who can wield magic by bonding with a mythical creature). Now Volke isn’t a picky person; he will be happy to bond with any creature as long as it brings him magical powers. He and his adopted sister Illia travel in search of a crashed ship that had unbonded mythical creatures. As luck would have it, they both succeed in getting bonded. But being Volke, he bonds with Knightmare Luthair. Luthair has already lost one partner and he wants Volke to find the person who was responsible for his first partner’s death if he wants to draw any magic from him. Only thing is, Volke would have to fight against arcanists who are far more powerful than him. Does he have what it takes to be an Arcanist?
Knightmare Arcanist is a brilliant young adult story with just the right amount of humor, sarcasm, action, and fantasy to blow your mind. I loved Volke’s interactions with Luthair. The witty comebacks and the constant back and forths between these two were incredible. The race against time to figure out the magical plague was handled well along with the mystery to find who killed Luthair’s first arcanist. The author juggled both plotlines incredibly well. There is no shortage of action in this story. Volke gets plenty of opportunities to grow; he gets beaten yet he always gets up. I was sucked into the story the moment I read the blurb. Shami Stovall’s writing style is excellent, she is an exceptional storyteller and a master of writing vivid descriptions. She kept the suspense, built the hype, and allowed the reader to get fully invested in the storyline from the get-go. Even Zaxis grew on me at the end. Shami Stovall gave a personality to every character, including the mythical creatures. No one will put this book down until they have read it from cover to cover. I don't think it can get better than this. I can’t wait for the next novel in the series.
Knightmare Arcanist is the first book in the Frith Chronicles by Shami Stovall. Volke Savan is a gravedigger who dreams of becoming an Arcanist (a person who can wield magic by bonding with a mythical creature). Now Volke isn’t a picky person; he will be happy to bond with any creature as long as it brings him magical powers. He and his adopted sister Illia travel in search of a crashed ship that had unbonded mythical creatures. As luck would have it, they both succeed in getting bonded. But being Volke, he bonds with Knightmare Luthair. Luthair has already lost one partner and he wants Volke to find the person who was responsible for his first partner’s death if he wants to draw any magic from him. Only thing is, Volke would have to fight against arcanists who are far more powerful than him. Does he have what it takes to be an Arcanist?
Knightmare Arcanist is a brilliant young adult story with just the right amount of humor, sarcasm, action, and fantasy to blow your mind. I loved Volke’s interactions with Luthair. The witty comebacks and the constant back and forths between these two were incredible. The race against time to figure out the magical plague was handled well along with the mystery to find who killed Luthair’s first arcanist. The author juggled both plotlines incredibly well. There is no shortage of action in this story. Volke gets plenty of opportunities to grow; he gets beaten yet he always gets up. I was sucked into the story the moment I read the blurb. Shami Stovall’s writing style is excellent, she is an exceptional storyteller and a master of writing vivid descriptions. She kept the suspense, built the hype, and allowed the reader to get fully invested in the storyline from the get-go. Even Zaxis grew on me at the end. Shami Stovall gave a personality to every character, including the mythical creatures. No one will put this book down until they have read it from cover to cover. I don't think it can get better than this. I can’t wait for the next novel in the series.
Recommend this book:
Heroes of the Empire
Book 3: The Emperor
Israh Azizi
2025 Silver Medal
418 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Heroes of the Empire Book 3: The Emperor by Israh Azizi is a continuation of the fantasy adventure series that creates a realm of four kingdoms; Ayleth, Devorin, Ondalar, and Verin. Honzio Hortinza is the Crown Prince of the Empire but finds himself imprisoned within his own castle. To escape his captors, Honzio must ally himself with a Savorian warrior, Svorgin, and his sworn enemy, a usurper to his crown, Draven. Honzio’s sister, Natassa Hortinza, has been abducted by a Savagelander by the name of Yalnos. Natassa, a Shadow Manos with special abilities to bend a person to their will and to see the past present, and future, escapes from the Savagelanders and seeks refuge with a group known as The Elders. Velamir has to choose between searching for his great love, Natassa, or for his best friend, Jax. He decides to follow Natassa’s trail to rescue her. Ultimately the battle is on for control of the Empire and to banish the shadows back to the spirit world where they belong.
The Emperor is a stirring, non-stop roller-coaster of allegiances, battles, love, loss, and heroism, reminiscent of Game of Thrones, minus the dragons. Author Israh Azizi has created a multi-faceted world with a vast array of complex characters all engaged in a series of overlapping story arcs. I was impressed with the author’s ability to run so many sub-plots and disparate characters but still manage to coherently link them together. Although I haven’t read Books 1 and 2 in this series, I would recommend doing so before reading Book 3. Although the story does stand alone and can be read separately, it will take readers unfamiliar with the characters and settings a little time to understand the scenario the characters are facing. That said, once settled into the story and the different perspectives, readers are in for a wild and emotional ride. I appreciated the author’s foresight in adding a pronunciation chart, as well as an important locations and terms table at the beginning. These certainly enhanced my reading. This journey is not yet complete, so I, along with other fans of this talented author, eagerly anticipate Book 4. This is an excellent adventure that I highly recommend.
Heroes of the Empire Book 3: The Emperor by Israh Azizi is a continuation of the fantasy adventure series that creates a realm of four kingdoms; Ayleth, Devorin, Ondalar, and Verin. Honzio Hortinza is the Crown Prince of the Empire but finds himself imprisoned within his own castle. To escape his captors, Honzio must ally himself with a Savorian warrior, Svorgin, and his sworn enemy, a usurper to his crown, Draven. Honzio’s sister, Natassa Hortinza, has been abducted by a Savagelander by the name of Yalnos. Natassa, a Shadow Manos with special abilities to bend a person to their will and to see the past present, and future, escapes from the Savagelanders and seeks refuge with a group known as The Elders. Velamir has to choose between searching for his great love, Natassa, or for his best friend, Jax. He decides to follow Natassa’s trail to rescue her. Ultimately the battle is on for control of the Empire and to banish the shadows back to the spirit world where they belong.
The Emperor is a stirring, non-stop roller-coaster of allegiances, battles, love, loss, and heroism, reminiscent of Game of Thrones, minus the dragons. Author Israh Azizi has created a multi-faceted world with a vast array of complex characters all engaged in a series of overlapping story arcs. I was impressed with the author’s ability to run so many sub-plots and disparate characters but still manage to coherently link them together. Although I haven’t read Books 1 and 2 in this series, I would recommend doing so before reading Book 3. Although the story does stand alone and can be read separately, it will take readers unfamiliar with the characters and settings a little time to understand the scenario the characters are facing. That said, once settled into the story and the different perspectives, readers are in for a wild and emotional ride. I appreciated the author’s foresight in adding a pronunciation chart, as well as an important locations and terms table at the beginning. These certainly enhanced my reading. This journey is not yet complete, so I, along with other fans of this talented author, eagerly anticipate Book 4. This is an excellent adventure that I highly recommend.
Recommend this book:
Secret Sky
The Young Universe
T. Alan Horne
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Secret Sky by T. Alan Horne is an exciting adventure with surprises around every corner. It makes for an unforgettable read that all ages won’t be able to put down. This tale of epic adventure is about young Skylar who may be the answer to saving the world - even if he doesn’t know it yet. Until then the biggest event in his life was getting his first calf to care for but everything quickly changes when he’s forced to leave home and his only choice is to journey with the knights responsible for the loss of his home. He now lives under a king who has dangerous plans that could destroy everything Skylar cares about. Magic is only meant for dreams yet when it becomes real, Skylar quickly learns two things: he has the capability for great power and he must keep it hidden.
The intriguing opening sets the tone and the style with unique narration by the stars sharing the story. This is a fantastical and whimsical approach that quickly gives the world charm and wit as the stars are excellent narrators. The stars address readers directly which creates a sense of being told a story and, at times, a secret. Magic has a unique position in the story as Skylar was taught that it was dark and even the power of the dead. As Skylar taps into it, he finds the imagination and beauty that it can create, which is important in his overall journey. His emotional journey resonates as he struggles with a feeling of powerlessness that stems from feeling small, which only grows as he’s taken from everything he knows. At its core, this is a story about home as the further Skylar is from it, the more he longs for his family and the more the beginning becomes more poignant. Illustrations throughout show insights into early dynamics, characters, and settings which add vibrancy to the tone. Secret Sky by T. Alan Horne is an original fantasy adventure that is action-packed, creative, and with an assortment of cleverly written characters.
Secret Sky by T. Alan Horne is an exciting adventure with surprises around every corner. It makes for an unforgettable read that all ages won’t be able to put down. This tale of epic adventure is about young Skylar who may be the answer to saving the world - even if he doesn’t know it yet. Until then the biggest event in his life was getting his first calf to care for but everything quickly changes when he’s forced to leave home and his only choice is to journey with the knights responsible for the loss of his home. He now lives under a king who has dangerous plans that could destroy everything Skylar cares about. Magic is only meant for dreams yet when it becomes real, Skylar quickly learns two things: he has the capability for great power and he must keep it hidden.
The intriguing opening sets the tone and the style with unique narration by the stars sharing the story. This is a fantastical and whimsical approach that quickly gives the world charm and wit as the stars are excellent narrators. The stars address readers directly which creates a sense of being told a story and, at times, a secret. Magic has a unique position in the story as Skylar was taught that it was dark and even the power of the dead. As Skylar taps into it, he finds the imagination and beauty that it can create, which is important in his overall journey. His emotional journey resonates as he struggles with a feeling of powerlessness that stems from feeling small, which only grows as he’s taken from everything he knows. At its core, this is a story about home as the further Skylar is from it, the more he longs for his family and the more the beginning becomes more poignant. Illustrations throughout show insights into early dynamics, characters, and settings which add vibrancy to the tone. Secret Sky by T. Alan Horne is an original fantasy adventure that is action-packed, creative, and with an assortment of cleverly written characters.
Recommend this book:
Heroes of the Empire
Book 2: The General
Israh Azizi
2024 Finalist
488 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Israh Azizi's first Heroes of the Empire series book, Velamir, a Chishman Academy student, confronts mortality on a perilous mission with three peers that becomes a reckoning of his past. Natassa, the emperor's daughter, plans to escape from an unwanted marriage, risking her life for freedom. In the second book, The General, Mordon's devotion shatters after a merciless Tariqin onslaught. Captured and thrust into a war camp among former adversaries, he is presented with an unexpected opportunity by the enemy and faces an unprecedented trial. Meanwhile, Coralie bears the weight of her kingdom's stability following a brutal assault and her uncle's ailing health. She seeks aid from unlikely allies in Verintown, risking all to secure her realm's survival against an imminent Tariqin resurgence.
Israh Azizi shows us that the second book in a series, when written well, can be just as triumphant in how it pulls its readers in as the first, and The General is proof of this. One of the most important aspects as we see two leads growing into themselves, their roles, and what they are destined to be is that they feel organic and unforced. Mordon's decision to help an injured Savorian during the training exercise hints at the battles within as we see the possibility of redemption despite his troubled past. Coralie's response to the fears of her staff juxtaposes her determination with her vulnerability as she acknowledges their doubts and vows to protect the kingdom. Velamit and Natassa's storylines also grow, and Azizi goes hard with emotional responses, particularly when questions of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice emerge. Overall, this is a fantastic read that ends with the promise of more to come, and I look forward to seeing where we go next.
In Israh Azizi's first Heroes of the Empire series book, Velamir, a Chishman Academy student, confronts mortality on a perilous mission with three peers that becomes a reckoning of his past. Natassa, the emperor's daughter, plans to escape from an unwanted marriage, risking her life for freedom. In the second book, The General, Mordon's devotion shatters after a merciless Tariqin onslaught. Captured and thrust into a war camp among former adversaries, he is presented with an unexpected opportunity by the enemy and faces an unprecedented trial. Meanwhile, Coralie bears the weight of her kingdom's stability following a brutal assault and her uncle's ailing health. She seeks aid from unlikely allies in Verintown, risking all to secure her realm's survival against an imminent Tariqin resurgence.
Israh Azizi shows us that the second book in a series, when written well, can be just as triumphant in how it pulls its readers in as the first, and The General is proof of this. One of the most important aspects as we see two leads growing into themselves, their roles, and what they are destined to be is that they feel organic and unforced. Mordon's decision to help an injured Savorian during the training exercise hints at the battles within as we see the possibility of redemption despite his troubled past. Coralie's response to the fears of her staff juxtaposes her determination with her vulnerability as she acknowledges their doubts and vows to protect the kingdom. Velamit and Natassa's storylines also grow, and Azizi goes hard with emotional responses, particularly when questions of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice emerge. Overall, this is a fantastic read that ends with the promise of more to come, and I look forward to seeing where we go next.
Recommend this book:
Vermilion Sunrise
Lydia P. Brownlow
2024 Honorable Mention
356 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Chinazo Anozie for Readers' Favorite
Vermilion Sunrise is a YA sci-fi novel by Lydia P. Brownlow. Seventeen-year-old Leigh Crawford wakes up to find that she’s no longer on Earth. Along with other teenagers, all under twenty, she has traveled light years to another planet called Marjol. The video information on the spaceship transporting them explains that they had volunteered to colonize Marjol and were the third group to land. They had been traveling in cryosleep, which preserved them so that they hardly aged but erased their most recent memories, including that of volunteering. Leigh’s first reaction is disbelief, and she’s determined to return home until she realizes it took almost 22 Earth years to make the trip and probably the same to go back—if she even can. She realizes that Marjol is her new home, and she’ll likely never see Earth or her family again. Determined to embrace her new reality, she’s eager to meet the other teenagers. As they spend more time on the planet, she and the others realize they may not be alone and that some things they’ve been told are lies.
Vermilion Sunrise is a fantastic book, like a hybrid of The 100 and Maze Runner. Brownlow’s detailed plot and worldbuilding are commendable. Her description of Marjol, with its three moons and orange sun, was so vivid that I had no trouble visualizing it. I also loved how each character had their traits; this made them memorable even though there were many. For example, I could always count on Olu as the calm voice of reason, especially when tensions heightened. Michele had her Maori adages, and Noah, the easygoing Aussie, loved surfing. The diverse cast was all very relatable and resilient, doing their best on an alien planet with the little they had. I connected so much with them that I always got anxious about their safety, especially when they went on expeditions or sustained injuries. A slow burner, Vermilion Sunrise is an excellent introduction to the rest of the series as it answers many questions as the story goes on but leaves you eager for more by the end.
Vermilion Sunrise is a YA sci-fi novel by Lydia P. Brownlow. Seventeen-year-old Leigh Crawford wakes up to find that she’s no longer on Earth. Along with other teenagers, all under twenty, she has traveled light years to another planet called Marjol. The video information on the spaceship transporting them explains that they had volunteered to colonize Marjol and were the third group to land. They had been traveling in cryosleep, which preserved them so that they hardly aged but erased their most recent memories, including that of volunteering. Leigh’s first reaction is disbelief, and she’s determined to return home until she realizes it took almost 22 Earth years to make the trip and probably the same to go back—if she even can. She realizes that Marjol is her new home, and she’ll likely never see Earth or her family again. Determined to embrace her new reality, she’s eager to meet the other teenagers. As they spend more time on the planet, she and the others realize they may not be alone and that some things they’ve been told are lies.
Vermilion Sunrise is a fantastic book, like a hybrid of The 100 and Maze Runner. Brownlow’s detailed plot and worldbuilding are commendable. Her description of Marjol, with its three moons and orange sun, was so vivid that I had no trouble visualizing it. I also loved how each character had their traits; this made them memorable even though there were many. For example, I could always count on Olu as the calm voice of reason, especially when tensions heightened. Michele had her Maori adages, and Noah, the easygoing Aussie, loved surfing. The diverse cast was all very relatable and resilient, doing their best on an alien planet with the little they had. I connected so much with them that I always got anxious about their safety, especially when they went on expeditions or sustained injuries. A slow burner, Vermilion Sunrise is an excellent introduction to the rest of the series as it answers many questions as the story goes on but leaves you eager for more by the end.
Recommend this book:
Winkle and Aster
Derek Corsaro
2024 Bronze Medal
259 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
A fire occurred in the house of two sisters, Periwinkle and Aster. Then, fourteen-year-old Winkle and nine-year-old Aster found themselves among incredible creatures of many kinds in a strange, almost colorless world named the Ember Lands. These monsters were searching for the Abyssal Vine, a plant that would make them immortal. The Vine is also the only hope for Winkle and Aster to return home from the Ember Lands. The sisters befriended an alakdan named Hooyip. This self-proclaimed hero had a noble goal to protect the Ember Lands from the monsters that kept entering through the black fires' portals, just like Winkle and Aster did. The girls start their trip with many adventures, unexpected encounters, and amazing discoveries ahead. Winkle and Aster by Derek Corsaro is a fascinating read for young adult fans of urban fantasy and readers of any age who enjoy magical realism and adventure.
Winkle and Aster is an urban fantasy novel like no other I have ever read. Derek Corsaro built a surreal world inhabited by unusual dwellers. "But I suppose people should try to understand those who are a little unique," says Deborah, one of the unforgettable secondary characters in Winkle and Aster. It's the main message of the book. We should be kinder and more understanding to those who differ from us, like the wonderful little Aster with her great potential or Periwinkle, who has bonded with the mythological creatures. Winkle and Aster is a coming-of-age story, and we follow the significant development of the main characters through the many serious challenges they face. Also, it is a touching story of true friendship and self-sacrifice which should be on the shelf of every young adult reader. I liked the elements of mild horror and rich imagery in Winkle and Aster. This book would make a great movie because of the expressive narrative and vibrant visual elements created by this gifted author.
A fire occurred in the house of two sisters, Periwinkle and Aster. Then, fourteen-year-old Winkle and nine-year-old Aster found themselves among incredible creatures of many kinds in a strange, almost colorless world named the Ember Lands. These monsters were searching for the Abyssal Vine, a plant that would make them immortal. The Vine is also the only hope for Winkle and Aster to return home from the Ember Lands. The sisters befriended an alakdan named Hooyip. This self-proclaimed hero had a noble goal to protect the Ember Lands from the monsters that kept entering through the black fires' portals, just like Winkle and Aster did. The girls start their trip with many adventures, unexpected encounters, and amazing discoveries ahead. Winkle and Aster by Derek Corsaro is a fascinating read for young adult fans of urban fantasy and readers of any age who enjoy magical realism and adventure.
Winkle and Aster is an urban fantasy novel like no other I have ever read. Derek Corsaro built a surreal world inhabited by unusual dwellers. "But I suppose people should try to understand those who are a little unique," says Deborah, one of the unforgettable secondary characters in Winkle and Aster. It's the main message of the book. We should be kinder and more understanding to those who differ from us, like the wonderful little Aster with her great potential or Periwinkle, who has bonded with the mythological creatures. Winkle and Aster is a coming-of-age story, and we follow the significant development of the main characters through the many serious challenges they face. Also, it is a touching story of true friendship and self-sacrifice which should be on the shelf of every young adult reader. I liked the elements of mild horror and rich imagery in Winkle and Aster. This book would make a great movie because of the expressive narrative and vibrant visual elements created by this gifted author.
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